Lesson 1 December 29, 2002

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

A study of the Churches of Revelation



Revelation - Is it important to study this Book??



#1. Uniquely there is connected with it is a tremendous Promise! 1:3



- Note the categories that are addressed here; covers everyone

#1 "he who reads" the emphasis is on the one who reads, expounds, teaches.



#2 "he who hears" the listener, the one who assembles consistently.



#3 "heeds the things written in it" application of its truths







Prin: What He reveals in His word is done so to be understood!



#2. We should study it because of its subject matter, content!



Is Christ the revealer or the one being revealed?



But the greatest emphasis though is on the revelation or unveiling of Jesus Christ.

ch-1 = emphasis on His person.

ch- 4-5 = Emphasis on His qualification to open the book.

ch- 6-18 = Emphasis on His wrath being poured out.

ch- 19 = Emphasis on His coming.

ch- 20 = Emphasis on His reign.



#3. Because of the book's own command! 2:7





#4. Because it is an open book.





#5. Ask the question? Why is it difficult to understand, if it is an open book?



Man's government begins at Babel; it’s a beginning of rebellion; and Revelation ends with God's government reigning after crushing the last vestiges of man's open Rebellion.



Introduction to Revelation:

A. Content of the Book

1. Find how it is arranged in 1:19

2. Application or major outline!

a. "Things which you have seen" Past 1:1-20

b. "things which are" Present 2:1 - 3:22 address to the Churches

c. "things which shall take place" Future 4:1-22:21



B. Perspective of Revelation!

1. Sum it up by one word CULMINATION, COMPLETION!



Genesis (beginning) Revelation (culmination)

God's plan for history culmination of history

Satan's working in history Satan's work ends

Man's gov't estab. at Babel God's gov't, kingdom estab.

Start of sin in human race End of sin

Creation of heavens, earth New heaven and earth



C. Approaches to interpretation of the book.


Various schools of interpretation

1. Preterist: (Past)

- The preterist interpreters see Revelation as having been already fulfilled in the early history of the church.


2. Historical (Post-Mill)

- View that revelation gives a panorama of the history of the Church from the days of John to the end of the age.




Idealist (Amill)

- This approach sees in Revelation a pictorial unfolding of great principles in constant conflict.


- It merely portrays the age long struggle between good and evil.


Futurist (Pre-Mill)

- Sees the book primarily dealing with future events; ch 4 to end.

- Using the plain, normal or literal principle of interpretation the only view that one can arrive at is that most is yet future.



- This view leaves the least amount of enigmas, unanswered questions and is the most consistent with the rest of Scripture.



Chapter One Revelation



Outline 1st Chapter.

A. 1:1-8 Introduction

1. Prologue vs:1-3

2. greetings vs:4-8

B. John's Vision of Christ 1:9-18

C. Exhortation to John; "write" 1:19-20.





A. 1:1-3 Introduction:

Prologue 1:1-3

1. Title found in verse 1



- What is an apokalupsis?


- Therefore it speaks of an unveiling, a disclosure, a revelation